System and method for using an elastomeric band for recreational activities

ABSTRACT

The invention describes kits and methods for recreational activities involving the use of an elastomeric band.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application includes a claim of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/153,512, filed Feb. 25,2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to devices used for physical activities andmethods of using the devices. In particular, this invention relates totoys and methods of playing with toys.

BACKGROUND

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extentas if each individual publication or patent application was specificallyand individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Thefollowing description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

As people spend more time indoors, people seek new ways of spending timeat home. Generally, people want to acquire exercise equipment orrecreational devices such as video game consoles. Oftentimes, suchequipment and devices take up too much space in a limited indoor area.Thus, there is a need for equipment that does not require a lot ofspace.

Children are often looking for new ways to entertain themselves. Parentscan prefer children to engage in recreational activities, but prefersimple methods and systems that can be used indoors, as well as beingeasily transported and used outdoors. The present invention providessolutions for these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a kit for recreational activities. Invarious embodiments, the kit includes a length-adjustable bar and anelastomeric band. In some embodiments, the kit further includesinstructions for assembling the bar and elastomeric band, and for usingthe elastomeric band for recreational activities.

According to some embodiments, the bar is adapted for attachment onto adoor frame. According to some embodiments, the bar is a pull-up barand/or a telescoping bar. According to some embodiments, the bar isabout 20-about 25 inches in length in a contracted configuration.According to some embodiments, the bar is about 35-about 45 inches inlength in an extended configuration.

According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is a loop band.According to some embodiments, the bar includes a contact portion wherethe elastomeric band is looped around. According to some embodiments,the contact portion is wrapped around one portion of the bar and made ofa material that is different from a material of the bar.

According to some embodiments, the contact portion functions as a handlegrip such that the elastomeric band is looped around a central orsubstantially central portion of the contact portion and at least one ofa left portion or a right portion of the contact portion with respect tothe central portion is gripped by a hand or hands of a user.

According to some embodiments, the bar includes a first handle grip anda second handle grip positioned at different sides of the elastomericband that is looped around a central or substantially central portion ofthe bar, the first and second handle grips being made of a material thatis different from a material of the bar;

According to some embodiments, the first handle grip is wrapped around afirst portion of the bar and the second handle grip is wrapped around asecond portion of the bar; and the first portion of the bar and thesecond portion of the bar are spaced such that the elastomeric band islooped around the bar between the first contact portion and the secondcontact portion.

According to some embodiments, a distance between the first handle gripand the second handle grip is about 0.5″-about 2.5″.

According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is adapted tosupport up to 200 pounds. According to some embodiments, the elastomericband is adapted to support about 25-200 pounds. According to someembodiments, the elastomeric band is about 1.0-about 2.0 inches inwidth, about 0.2-about 0.3 inches in thickness, and about 80-about 90inches in length.

The present disclosure provides methods of using an elastomeric band. Invarious embodiments, the method includes attaching an elastomeric bandto a length-adjustable bar, or a horizontal or substantially horizontalstructure; and using the elastomeric band for recreational activities.According to some embodiments, the method further includes attaching thebar to a door frame, or a vertical or substantially vertical structure.For example, the bar is a pull-up bar. For example, the horizontalstructure is a tree branch, a monkey bar, pull-up bar, or a trapeze bar.

According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is a loop band.According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is adapted tosupport about 25 pounds-about 150 pounds, or both.

According to some embodiments, using the elastomeric band comprisesstepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band and swinging on theelastomeric band, stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band anddoing twirls on the elastomeric band, wrapping the elastomeric bandaround one or both arms and doing flips, or hanging from a substantiallyhorizontal structure and dropping one's body onto the elastomeric bandsuch that the elastomeric band catches the person as a seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It isintended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to beconsidered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict kits set up on a door frame in accordance withvarious embodiments the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a child using the elastomeric band in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a child playing with the elastomeric band in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a child swinging on the elastomeric band in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technicaland scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similaror equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in thepractice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is inno way limited to the methods and materials described. For purposes ofthe present invention, the following terms are defined below.

As used herein the term “about” when used in connection with areferenced numeric indication means the referenced numeric indicationplus or minus up to 5% of that referenced numeric indication, unlessotherwise specifically provided for herein. For example, the language“about 50%” covers the range of 45% to 55%. In various embodiments, theterm “about” when used in connection with a referenced numericindication can mean the referenced numeric indication plus or minus upto 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.25% of that referenced numeric indication,if specifically provided for in the claims.

As used herein the term “substantially” when used in connection with ahorizontal structure means that the structure is parallel to the planeof the horizon plus or minus up to 25° from the horizon. In variousembodiments, the term “substantially” when used in connection with ahorizontal structure can mean that the structure is parallel to theplane of the horizon plus or minus up to 20°, 15°, 10°, 9°, 8°, 7°, 6°,5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1° from the horizon, if specifically provided for inthe claims.

“Horizontal or substantially horizontal structure” include structureswherein an elastomeric band can be attached (e.g., tied to, loopedaround, etc.) and hanging from the structure to allow a person to usethe elastomeric band in accordance to embodiments of the presentinvention. Typically, the structure would be able to support the weightof the person using the elastomeric band.

As used herein the term “substantially” when used in connection with avertical structure means that the structure is perpendicular to theplane of the horizon plus or minus up to 10° deviating from 90° from thehorizon. In various embodiments, the term “substantially” when used inconnection with a vertical structure can mean that the structure isperpendicular to the plane of the horizon plus or minus up to 9°, 8°,7°, 6°, 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1° deviating from 90° from horizon, ifspecifically provided for in the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-4, various embodiments of the present inventionprovide for a kit 100 for recreational activities, the kit including abar 110 and an elastomeric band 120. In various embodiments, the kitfurther includes instructions for assembling the pull-up bar andelastomeric band, and for using the elastomeric band for recreationalactivities.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is a pull-up bar. In variousembodiments, the bar 110 is adapted for attachment onto a door frame. Invarious embodiments, the bar 110 is a telescoping bar and the length ofthe bar is adjustable. In various embodiments, the bar 110 has acylindrical shape, but the shape is not limited thereto. In someembodiments, the bar 110 has a rectangular shape. In some embodiments,the bar 110 includes a door frame guard.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15-about 30″ (inches) inlength in a contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar110 is about 15-about 20″, about 20-about 25″, or about 25-about 30″ inlength in the contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar110 is about 15″, about 16″, about 17″, about 18″, about 19″, about 20″,about 21″, about 22″, about 23″, about 24″, about 25″, about 26″, about27″, about 28″, about 29″, or about 30″ in length in the contractedconfiguration.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 30-about 45″ in length inan extended configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about30-about 35″, about 35-about 40″, about 40-about 45″, or about 35-about45″ in length in the extended configuration. In various embodiments, thebar 110 is about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about 38″, about 39″, about40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″, or about 45″ in lengthin the extended configuration.

In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2-about 6″.In various embodiment, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2.0-about2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 3.5″, about 3.5-about 4.0″,about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about 5.0-about 5.5″, orabout 5.5-6.0″. In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 isabout 3.0″, about 3.2″, about 3.4″, about 3.6″, about 3.9″, about 4.0″,about 4.2″, about 4.4″, about 4.6″, about 4.8″, or about 5.0″.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is a loop band. Invarious embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to supportabout 25-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band120 is adapted to support about 25-about 50, about 50-about 75, about75-about 100, about 100-about 125, about 125-about 150, about 150-about175 or about 175-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, theelastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 75, about75-about 125, or about 125-about 175 pounds. In various embodiments, theelastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 50-about 125, about100-about 200, or about 125-about 200 pounds.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5″, about0.75″, about 1″, about 1.25″, about 1.5″, about 1.75″, about 2.0″, about2.25″, about 2.5″, about 2.75″, about 3″, about 3.25″, about 3.5″, about3.75″, about 4″, about 4.5″, about 5″, about 5.5″, or about 6″ in width.In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5-about1.0″, about 1.0-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 4.0″,about 4.0-about 5.0″, or about 5.0-about 6.0″ in width.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.125″, about0.25″, about 0.375″, about 0.5″, about 0.625″, or about 0.75″ inthickness. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about0.1-about 0.2″, about 0.2-about 0.3″, about 0.3-about 0.4″, about0.4-about 0.5″, about 0.5-about 0.6″, about 0.6-about 0.7″ or about0.7-about 0.8″ in thickness. In various embodiments, the elastomericband 120 is about 3.0, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, or about 6.0 mm in thickness.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30-about 90inches in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 isabout 30-about 40″, about 40-about 50″, about 50-about 60″, about60-about 70″, about 70-about 80″, or about 80-about 90″ in length. Invarious embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30″, about 31″,about 32″, about 33″, about 34″, about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about38″, about 39″, about 40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″,about 45″, about 46″, about 47″, or about 48″ in length. In variousembodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 70″, about 71″, about72″, about 73″, about 74″, about 75″, about 76″, about 77″, about 78″,about 79″, about 80″, about 81″, about 82″, about 83″, about 84″, about85″, about 86″, about 87″, or about 88″ in length. For loop bands, thesemeasurements are for the circumference of the band.

The bar 110 can be made of any material that provides sufficientstrength for holding at least 200-pound weight; for example, metal andplastic. In various embodiments, the bar 110 has a contact portion 115where the elastomeric band is looped around. In various embodiments, thecontact portion is made of a material that is different from thematerial of the bar 110. For example, the contact portion 115 of the bar110 can be made of foam such as polyethylene foam and/or rubber. Thecontact portion 115 is wrapped around one portion of the bar 110. Invarious embodiments, the contact portion 115 is formed as a single pieceand positioned centrally or substantially centrally on the bar 110, asexemplified in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the contact portion 115functions as a handle grip such that the elastomeric band 120 is loopedaround a central or substantially central portion of the contact portionand at least one of a left portion or a right portion of the contactportion with respect to the central portion is gripped by a hand orhands of a user.

In some embodiments, the bar includes a contact portion 115, a firsthandle grip 115-1, and a second handle grip 115-2 positioned atdifferent sides of the elastomeric band 120 that is looped around thecontact portion 115 located at a central or substantially centralportion of the bar. In some embodiments, the contact portion 115positioned between the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 is abare surface of the bar 110. In some embodiments, the contact portion115 positioned between the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 ismade of a material that is different from the material of the bar 110.In some embodiments, the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 aremade of a material that is different from a material of the bar 110. Insome embodiments, the contact portion 115 and the first and secondhandle grips 115-1, 115-2 are made of the same material. In someembodiments, the contact portion 115 and the first and second handlegrips 115-1, 115-2 are made of different materials.

In some embodiments, the material used for the contact portion 115 hasproperties allowing smooth contact between the elastomeric band 120 andthe bar 110, thus preventing excessive wear and tear of the elastomericband. In some embodiments, the material used for the contact portion 115is rubber, a rubber compound, silicone rubber, neoprene, or foam.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in various embodiments, the contact portion 115 ofthe bar 110 formed as a single piece is about 3-about 10″ in length. Invarious embodiments, the contact portion 115 is about 3.0-about 3.5″,about 3.5-about 4.0″, about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about5.0-about 5.5″, about 5.5-about 6.0″, about 6.0-about 6.5″, about6.5-about 7.0″, about 7.0-about 7.5″, about 7.5-about 8.0″, about8.0-about 8.5″, about 8.5-about 9.0″, about 9.0-about 9.5″, or about9.5-about 10.0″ in length. In various embodiments, the contact portion115 is about 3″, about 4″, about 5″, about 6″, about 7″, about 8″, about9″, or about 10″ in length.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in various embodiments, the first handle grip115-1 and the second handle grip 115-2 are spaced and configured to beheld by a hand. In various embodiments, the distance between the firsthandle grip 115-1 and the second handle grip 115-2 is about 0.5-about2.5″. In various embodiments, the distance is about 0.5-about 1.0″,about 1.0-about 1.5″, about 1.5-about 2.0″, or about 2.0-about 2.5″. Invarious embodiments, the distance is about 0.5″, about 1″, about 1.5″,about 2″, or about 2.5″.

In various embodiments, each of the first handle grip 115-1 and thesecond handle grip 115-2 is about 1-4″ in length. In variousembodiments, each handle grip 115-1, 115-2 is about 1.0-about 1.5″,about 1.5-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about3.0-about 3.5″, or about 3.5-about 4.0″ in length. In variousembodiments, each handle grip 115-1, 115-2 is about 1″, about 1.5″,about 2″, about 2.5″, about 3″, about 3.5″, or about 4″ in length.

The elastomeric band 120 can be made of any material that provides itselasticity; for example, rubber, latex, thermoplastic elastomer, andelastic fabric. Additional examples include but are not limited torubber, latex, natural polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene,polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber polychloroprene, neoprene, butylrubber, halogenated butyl rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrilerubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, acopolymer of ethylene and propylene) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylenediene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and adiene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber (ACM,ABR), silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ), fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ),perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene (CSM), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polysulfide rubber,and elastolefin.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 can have prints anddesigns that can be appealing for children. Examples include, but arenot limited to, DISNEY characters, MARVEL characters, DC characters,HARRY POTTER characters, PEANUTS characters, NICKELODEON characters,MUPPETS characters, WARNER BROS ANIMATION characters, SCOOBY-DOOcharacters, FLINTSTONES characters, JETSONS characters, mysticalcreatures (e.g., fairies, dragons, unicorns, mermaids), puppies,kittens, race cars, sea animals, zoo animals, farm animals, spacevehicles, and aliens.

Instructions include but are not limited to attaching the pull-up bar toa door frame, looping the elastomeric band 120 around the bar 110 andpull it through itself, or tying each end of the elastomeric band aroundthe bar. Instructions can also include, but are not limited to tying theelastomeric band 120 to a pre-existing bar, including but not limited toa trapeze bar, pull up bar, monkey bar, a free-standing bar capable ofsupporting the weight of a person, particularly a child.

Various embodiments provide for a method of using an elastomeric band,comprising: attaching a bar to a door frame; attaching an elastomericband to the bar; and using the elastomeric band for recreationalactivities.

In various embodiments, the bar is a pull-up bar. In variousembodiments, the bar is adapted for attachment onto a door frame.

In various embodiments, attaching an elastomeric band to the barcomprises looping the elastomeric band around the bar and pulling theelastomeric band through itself, or tying each end of the elastomericband around the bar.

Various embodiments provide for a method of using an elastomeric band,comprising: using the elastomeric band 120 for recreational activities.

In various embodiments, the method comprises attaching an elastomericband 120 to a horizontal or substantially horizontal structure beforeusing the elastomeric band. In various embodiments, the horizontalstructure is a tree branch, a monkey bar, pull-up bar, or trapeze bar.As such, methods of using the elastomeric band 120 for recreationalactivities can be done for example, at a park, yard, or playground. Invarious embodiments, attaching an elastomeric band 120 to the horizontalor substantially horizontal structure comprises looping the elastomericband around the structure and pulling the elastomeric band throughitself, or tying each end of the elastomeric band around the structure.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15-about 30″ (inches) inlength in a contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar110 is about 15-about 20″, about 20-about 25″, or about 25-about 30″ inlength in the contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar110 is about 15″, about 16″, about 17″, about 18″, about 19″, about 20″,about 21″, about 22″, about 23″, about 24″, about 25″, about 26″, about27″, about 28″, about 29″, or about 30″ in length in the contractedconfiguration.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 30-about 45″ in length inan extended configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about30-about 35″, about 35-about 40″, about 40-about 45″, or about 35-about45″ in length in the extended configuration. In various embodiments, thebar 110 is about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about 38″, about 39″, about40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″, or about 45″ in lengthin the extended configuration.

In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2-about 6″.In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2.0-about2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 3.5″, about 3.5-about 4.0″,about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about 5.0-about 5.5″, orabout 5.5-6.0″. In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 isabout 3.0″, about 3.2″, about 3.4″, about 3.6″, about 3.9″, about 4.0″,about 4.2″, about 4.4″, about 4.6″, about 4.8″, or about 5.0″.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is a loop band. Invarious embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to supportabout 25-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band120 is adapted to support about 25-about 50, about 50-about 75, about75-about 100, about 100-about 125, about 125-about 150, about 150-about175 or about 175-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, theelastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 75, about75-about 125, or about 125-about 175 pounds. In various embodiments, theelastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 50-about 125, about100-about 200, or about 125-about 200 pounds.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5″, about0.75″, about 1″, about 1.25″, about 1.5″, about 1.75″, about 2.0″, about2.25″, about 2.5″, about 2.75″, about 3″, about 3.25″, about 3.5″, about3.75″, about 4″, about 4.5″, about 5″, about 5.5″, or about 6″ in width.In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5-about1.0″, about 1.0-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 4.0″,about 4.0-about 5.0″, or about 5.0-about 6.0″ in width.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.125″, about0.25″, about 0.375″, about 0.5″, about 0.625″, or about 0.75″ inthickness. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about0.1-about 0.2″, about 0.2-about 0.3″, about 0.3-about 0.4″, about0.4-about 0.5″, about 0.5-about 0.6″, about 0.6-about 0.7″ or about0.7-about 0.8″ in thickness. In various embodiments, the elastomericband 120 is about 3.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm,about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm in thickness.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30-about 90inches in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 isabout 30-about 40″, about 40-about 50″, about 50-about 60″, about60-about 70″, about 70-about 80″, or about 80-about 90″ in length. Invarious embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30″, about 31″,about 32″, about 33″, about 34″, about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about38″, about 39″, about 40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″,about 45″, about 46″, about 47″, or about 48″ in length. In variousembodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 70″, about 71″, about72″, about 73″, about 74″, about 75″, about 76″, about 77″, about 78″,about 79″, about 80″, about 81″, about 82″, about 83″, about 84″, about85″, about 86″, about 87″, or about 88″ in length. For loop bands, thesemeasurements are for the circumference of the band.

The elastomeric band 120 can be made of any material that provides itselasticity; for example, rubber, latex, thermoplastic elastomer, andelastic fabric. Additional examples include but are not limited torubber, latex, natural polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene,polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber polychloroprene, neoprene, butylrubber, halogenated butyl rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrilerubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, acopolymer of ethylene and propylene) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylenediene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and adiene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber (ACM,ABR), silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ), fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ),perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene (CSM), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polysulfide rubber,and elastolefin.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in various embodiments, using the elastomericband 120 comprises stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band andswinging on the elastomeric band, stepping onto or sitting on theelastomeric band and doing twirls on the elastomeric band, wrapping theelastomeric band around one or both arms and doing flips, or hangingfrom a bar (or substantially horizontal structure) and dropping the bodyonto the elastomeric band such that the elastomeric band catches theperson as a seat.

The bar 110 can be made of any material that provides sufficientstrength for holding at least 200-pound weight; for example, metal andplastic. In various embodiments, the bar 110 has a contact portion 115where the elastomeric band is looped around. In various embodiments, thecontact portion 115 is made of a material that is different from thematerial of the bar 110. For example, the contact portion 115 can bemade of foam such as polyethylene foam and/or rubber. The contactportion 115 is wrapped around one portion of the bar. In variousembodiments, the contact portion 115 is formed as a single piece andpositioned centrally on the bar. In various embodiments, the contactportion 115 has properties allowing smooth contact between theelastomeric band 120 and the bar 110, thus preventing excessive wear andtear of the elastomeric band.

In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 of the bar 110 formed asa single piece is about 3-about 10″ in length. In various embodiments,the contact portion 115 is about 3.0-about 3.5″, about 3.5-about 4.0″,about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about 5.0-about 5.5″, about5.5-about 6.0″, about 6.0-about 6.5″, about 6.5-about 7.0″, about7.0-about 7.5″, about 7.5-about 8.0″, about 8.0-about 8.5″, about8.5-about 9.0″, about 9.0-about 9.5″, or about 9.5-about 10.0″ inlength. In various embodiment, the contact portion 115 is about 3″,about 4″, about 5″, about 6″, about 7″, about 8″, about 9″, or about 10″in length.

In various embodiments, when the contact portion 115 of the bar 110 isformed as two pieces, a first contact portion 115-1 contacts a firstportion of the elastomeric band 120 in its entire width and a secondcontact portion 115-2 contacts a second portion of the elastomeric bandin its entire width, an open space or gap being formed between the firstportion and the second portion of the elastomeric band. In variousembodiments, the distance between the first contact portion 115-1 andthe second contact portion 115-2 is about 0.5-about 2.5″. In variousembodiment, the distance is about 0.5-about 1.0″, about 1.0-about 1.5″,about 1.5-about 2.0″, or about 2.0-about 2.5″. In various embodiments,the distance is about 0.5″, about 1″, about 1.5″, about 2″, or about2.5″.

In various embodiments, each of the two pieces 115-1, 115-2 of thecontact portion 115 of the bar 110 is about 1-4″ in length. In variousembodiments, each contact portion 115-1, 115-2 is about 1.0-about 1.5″,about 1.5-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about3.0-about 3.5″, or about 3.5-about 4.0″ in length. In variousembodiments, each contact portion 115-1, 115-2 is about 1″, about 1.5″,about 2″, about 2.5″, about 3″, about 3.5″, or about 4″ in length.

Various embodiments of the invention are described above in the DetailedDescription. While these descriptions directly describe the aboveembodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceivemodifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall withinthe purview of this description are intended to be included therein aswell. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventorsthat the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given theordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in theapplicable art(s).

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention knownto the applicant at this time of filing the application has beenpresented and is intended for the purposes of illustration anddescription. The present description is not intended to be exhaustivenor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and manymodifications and variations are possible in the light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles ofthe invention and its practical application and to enable others skilledin the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that,based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from this invention and its broader aspects and,therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope allsuch changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scopeof this invention. It will be understood by those within the art that,in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.).

As used herein the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in referenceto compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that areuseful to an embodiment, yet open to the inclusion of unspecifiedelements, whether useful or not. Although the open-ended term“comprising,” as a synonym of terms such as including, containing, orhaving, is used herein to describe and claim the invention, the presentinvention, or embodiments thereof, may alternatively be described usingalternative terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentiallyof.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for recreational activities, comprising: alength-adjustable bar; and an elastomeric band.
 2. The kit of claim 1,wherein the bar is adapted for attachment onto a door frame and the kitfurther includes instructions for assembling the bar and elastomericband, and for using the elastomeric band for recreational activities. 3.The kit of claim 1, wherein the bar is a pull-up bar and/or atelescoping bar.
 4. The kit of claim 3, wherein the bar is about20-about 25 inches in length in a contracted configuration.
 5. The kitof claim 4, wherein the bar is about 35-about 45 inches in length in anextended configuration.
 6. The kit of claim 3, wherein the elastomericband is a loop band.
 7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the bar comprises acontact portion where the elastomeric band is looped around.
 8. The kitof claim 7, wherein the contact portion is wrapped around one portion ofthe bar and made of a material that is different from a material of thebar.
 9. The kit of claim 6, wherein the contact portion functions as ahandle grip such that the elastomeric band is looped around a central orsubstantially central portion of the contact portion and at least one ofa left portion or a right portion of the contact portion with respect tothe central portion is gripped by a hand or hands of a user.
 10. The kitof claim 1, wherein the bar comprises a first handle grip and a secondhandle grip positioned at different sides of the elastomeric band thatis looped around a central or substantially central portion of the bar,the first and second handle grips being made of a material that isdifferent from a material of the bar;
 11. The kit of claim 10, wherein:the first handle grip is wrapped around a first portion of the bar andthe second handle grip is wrapped around a second portion of the bar;and the first portion of the bar and the second portion of the bar arespaced such that the elastomeric band is looped around the bar betweenthe first contact portion and the second contact portion.
 12. The kit ofclaim 10, wherein a distance between the first contact portion and thesecond contact portion is about 0.5-about 2.5″.
 13. The kit of claim 1,wherein the elastomeric band is adapted to support about 25-200 pounds.14. The kit of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric band is about 1.0-about2.0 inches in width, about 0.2-about 0.3 inches in thickness, and about80-about 90 inches in length.
 15. A method of using an elastomeric band,comprising: attaching an elastomeric band to a length-adjustable bar, ora horizontal or substantially horizontal structure; and using theelastomeric band for recreational activities.
 16. The method of claim15, further comprising attaching the bar to a door frame, or a verticalor substantially vertical structure.
 17. The method of claim 15, whereinthe bar is a pull-up bar.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein thehorizontal structure is a tree branch, a monkey bar, pull-up bar, or atrapeze bar.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the elastomeric band isa loop band, or wherein the elastomeric band is adapted to support about25-about 150 pounds, or both.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein usingthe elastomeric band comprises stepping onto or sitting on theelastomeric band and swinging on the elastomeric band, stepping onto orsitting on the elastomeric band and doing twirls on the elastomericband, wrapping the elastomeric band around one or both arms and doingflips, or hanging from a substantially horizontal structure and droppingone's body onto the elastomeric band such that the elastomeric bandcatches the person as a seat.